There's nothing more harrowing than seeing a huge wall of sand barreling in from the desert, about to consume everything standing in its way. These violent sandstorms and dust storms, also known as haboobs, mostly occur in dry, arid regions around the world. But they can also surprise cities and more temperate areas.

Browse this gallery and be blown away by these powerful images of intense storms from across the planet.

The worst sandstorms, dust storms, and haboobs

When Mother Nature kicks up a storm

There's nothing more harrowing than seeing a huge wall of sand barreling in from the desert, about to consume everything standing in its way. These violent sandstorms and dust storms, also known as haboobs, mostly occur in dry, arid regions around the world. But they can also surprise cities and more temperate areas.

Browse this gallery and be blown away by these powerful images of intense storms from across the planet.